Voters in the Moreland School District should be receiving ballots in the mail this week giving them the opportunity to cast a very important vote that could determine whether local school programs will survive.

On the mail-in ballot is Measure A, a parcel tax to support elementary and middle schools in the Moreland School District.

A “yes” vote will add a $95 tax per parcel annually over the next eight years. In order to pass, the measure needs 67 percent approval.

The vote comes at a critical time, when dwindling state funds are threatening basic programs that students need to succeed. Just days before the ballots were sent, Santa Clara County assessor Larry Stone told local school district leaders that the economic situation is worse than expected.

The market value of approximately 20 percent of all single-family homes and one-third of all condominiums in the county has declined below their purchase price. This means the amount that the county collects in property taxes is expected to drop by more than $18 billion — by far the largest decrease in county history, according to Stone’s preliminary analysis.

It is especially important during this economic crisis that voters understand the importance of education and help support school programs vital for students to succeed.

According to parcel tax campaign information, Measure A will “retain and attract qualified teachers; maintain high-quality academic programs including reading, writing, math and science; keep school libraries open and accessible to students; and keep class sizes as small as possible.” The funds raised through the parcel tax will remain in the district’s elementary and middle schools, dispersed by an independent citizen oversight committee.

The state cannot pilfer money raised through the parcel tax, and none the funds can be spent on administrators’ salaries.

Moreland’s high student test scores are a direct result of the district’s quality teachers, small class sizes and a solid academic program. Every elementary school in the district has received the California Distinguished School Award for excellence in education. Schools have good student test scores, excellent teachers and strong parent support. Budget cuts have already required the district to close schools and reduce services.

The $95 annual fee seems a small price to pay to help maintain quality programs.

The parcel tax is good for the students and their families, for the teachers and administrators and for everyone who has a stake in the future of this community.

Silicon Valley Community Newspapers urges you to vote yes on Measure A.

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